US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday, "We are confident that Iran is the one that attacked the "Mercer Street" ship." Blinken added, during a speech at a virtual UN Security Council session on maritime security, that countries responsible for attacks against maritime navigation must be held accountable, and that Iran's attack on the "Mercer Street" ship was unjustified. He stated that the bombings in late July on the oil tanker "Mercer Street," operated by an Israeli businessman, are part of "a series of attacks and other provocative behavior," affirming that "all our countries must hold these accountable. Failing to do so will only fuel their sense of impunity and encourage others who tend to disregard the maritime system."
The oil tanker was attacked in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman on July 29, resulting in the deaths of two crew members from Britain and Romania. Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, have accused Iran of being behind the attack, which Tehran denies.
A virtual session of the UN Security Council was convened on Monday to discuss maritime navigation security. At the beginning of the session, a UN representative stated that there is "an increase in the number of attacks targeting maritime navigation," adding, "All countries must resolve their disputes concerning maritime security." This session was held at India's request, which is presiding over the Security Council this month, and is virtually led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the session, Prime Minister Modi stated, "Maritime routes are being misused by terrorism and the resolution of conflicts between countries." In a related context, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that "international efforts must be unified to combat terrorism and piracy in maritime areas." Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that the Iranian regime is practicing "terrorism" on international shipping lanes, warning that Iran poses a "clear danger" to regional stability and international peace.
It is noteworthy that tensions have significantly escalated in recent days, particularly after the "Mercer Street" ship, belonging to an Israeli company, was attacked by a drone, resulting in the deaths of two of its crew members.
